Dive Deep into the Royal Intrigues of 'Captivating the King'
A Full Spoiler Review of a Romantic Historical Drama
Explore every aspect of ‘Captivating the King’ in this comprehensive review. Dive into character insights, strengths, and weaknesses. For a spoiler-free review, check out the link below.
Show Details
‘Captivating the King’ aired in 2024, spanning a total of 16 episodes. This gripping historical drama can be streamed exclusively on Netflix. Set in the Joseon era, it features a fantastic performance by Jo Jung Suk as the enigmatic King. He is joined by Shin Sae Kyeong, who plays his formidable lover and rival Kang Mong Woo.
Plot Summary
A young prince is held captive in the Qing dynasty as a way of controlling his brother the King. But when he finally returns home, he finds that the King has lost faith in him. As he spends his days aimlessly wandering the streets, he ends up crossing paths with a mysterious baduk player, and they strike up an unlikely friendship.
But when the King accidentally throws his new friend’s life into turmoil, the baduk player vows revenge on him. Years later, when they meet again, he offers her a job as his private baduk partner. But the Prince, who has now become King, has no idea what she has been through because of him or how much she hates him. And now his very life could be in danger.
Exploring the Leads
Jo Jung Suk as King Lee In
Character Story: King Lee In
Crown Prince Jin Han sacrifices his own freedom to serve his brother, the King, by becoming a hostage in Qing. However, upon his return, he discovers that his brother’s trust has waned, leading him to roam the streets of the Capital. Fate brings him to encounter Mong Woo, an enigmatic and nameless baduk player, and the two develop a delicate camaraderie. Tragedy strikes when the King suddenly passes away, thrusting Jin Ha onto the throne as King Lee In. One of his initial obligations involves banishing Mong Woo and his loyal friend into slavery in the Qing Dynasty. Several years later, Mong Woo resurfaces, and Lee In extends an offer for him to become his private baduk partner. Unbeknownst to Lee In, Mong Woo’s true identity is a fabrication, and his motives for accepting the position are far from innocent.
Personality and Insights
Lee In navigates the treacherous waters of the royal court, displaying a captivating blend of vulnerability and strength that stems from years of loneliness and distrust. Caught between duty and his own moral compass, he grapples with the weight of upholding justice while maintaining his position. Lee In’s constant struggle holds immense significance, driven by his unwavering vision of a just kingdom. Jo Jung Suk’s portrayal of this multifaceted character adds a wealth of raw emotion, effectively anchoring the drama even in its weaker moments.
Shin Sae Kyeong as Kang Mong Woo
Character Story: Kang Mong Woo
Kang Hee Soo, daughter of a noble family, lives a double life as Mong Woo, a skilled baduk player. Despite challenging opponents throughout the city, no one can match her expertise. However, her world takes a devastating turn when she befriends a young man who turns out to be the King. In her time of need, he abandons her, leading to her exile and the tragic death of her closest friend. Fueled by a desire for revenge, Mong Woo seizes an opportunity when the King offers her a position as his baduk partner. While the King remains oblivious to her true identity as a woman, Mong Woo’s heart is keenly aware. Spending time with him, she begins to develop not only feelings but also a deeper understanding of his aspirations and actions.
Personality and Insights
Although Kang Hee Soo was raised in a pampered lifestyle, she possesses remarkable education, resilience, and ambition. Throughout the story, we witness her transformation from a humble warrior to a significant player in the palace intrigues. Her relentless pursuit of power stems from a complex blend of seeking revenge and protecting her loved ones. Although I find Shin Sae Kyeong to be a graceful and beautiful actress, I often sense a lack of emotional depth in her performances. This lack of emotion becomes particularly apparent when compared to Jo Jung’s mastery of conveying intricate feelings.
Supporting Cast Insights
Kim Myung Ha
Kim Myung Ha is a nobleman who knows Hee Soo’s family. He had hoped to marry her one day, but Hee Soo has never shown any interest in him. Later he becomes the king’s loyal advisor, often caught between the crossfires of palace politics and his own personal motivations.
Court Lady Dong
As the King’s personal servant, Court Lady Dong possesses unparalleled access to the royal family, making her a formidable adversary. Her unwavering affection for Lee In has persisted since his early days as a Crown Prince. Despite forming an alliance with the Queen Dowager and nurturing aspirations of securing a place beside the King, Lee In consistently rejects her romantic advances.
Kim Jong Bae
Highlights of 'Captivating the King'
Critique Corner
What I Enjoyed
I really loved this role for Ju Jung Suk. He got a chance to show off such a wide range of complex feelings and relationships. From his love for his brother to his desire to protect his brother’s widow and son, Lee In is a character with integrity and grit.
How nice to have a sincere, likable Queen who is interested in more than her own power and greed. I liked this character’s kind, loving attitude toward her family and her refusal to participate in the ugly political games being played by the Dowager and the Queen’s own brother.
Most gender-bender style historical dramas go for a lighter rom-com feel. So, I liked that this one committed to the concept without trying to water down the plot. There is a seriousness to this drama that shows respect to the genre.
What I Didn't Love
Okay, I have expressed this concern previously, but there are actresses who do not convincingly portray men. It is not solely due to flawless makeup that Shin Sae Kyeong appeared stunningly feminine. She did not even make an effort to realistically portray masculine gestures and body language. It would have been appreciated if there was at least some attempt to make it seem like she was trying.
I appreciate the effort to incorporate stories during the Qing invasion in more dramas. However, in this particular drama, every time the storyline shifted to the Qing Dynasty, it felt like a regression without any significant developments. And what is wrong with that Qing Princess. She is seriously delusional!
So, here’s my main concern with this drama: the on-screen chemistry just didn’t click. However, that’s not my biggest issue. The love story is built on deceit and mistrust, which doesn’t sit well with me. Throughout the entire show, I never got the sense that the main characters were truly being honest with each other. Even towards the end, Hee Soo is still contemplating killing the King, which leaves their romance lacking any genuine sincerity.
Dramatic Conclusion
How It All Ended
The finale of ‘Captivating the King’ gives us an open-ended conclusion while still promising a happily ever after. The King finally gets revenge for the poisoning of his brother. Jong Hwan is forced to drink the same poison he fed Lee Sun and both traitors, Je Pyo and Hyun Bo, are killed. But the King’s relief is cut short when Hee Soo’s true identity is revealed. Prince Rui insists that she come to Qing to play baduk with him. And while the King is immediately against it, Hee Soo encourages him to let her go. Her motivation is the chance to see her father again and gather information while she is there. The King finally allows her to go, but he is miserable and lonely the whole time she is gone. The drama ends with the couple, reunited after 9 months. They meet under a giant tree to enjoy a private game of baduk and bask in each other’s company. There are no answers as to what their future together will look like, but at least we can be assured that they will be together.
Personal Reflections
My Verdict on the Drama
‘Captivating the King’ is a historical romance that takes place during the Joseon period, while they are being ruled by the Qing Dynasty. While gender bender historical dramas have become quite common lately, this particular story fails to distinguish itself as unique from the rest. Although Jo Jung Suk delivers an excellent performance, the female lead’s character falls short, and unfortunately Shin Sae Kyeong’s acting lacks the range to carry a role this weak. The political aspect of the story is decent, although repetitive at times. But the romance failed to capture my interest. Nonetheless, it’s stunning visuals and high budget production still make it a worthwhile watch for fans of Korean historical dramas. Overall, I rate “Captivating the King” a 7 out of 10 ramen. 🍜🍜🍜🍜🍜🍜🍜
when you also deal with the queen of tears
Are you stalking my Netflix account or are you just a mind reader?? LOL! My review of “Queen of Tears” will be out Wednesday!